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Asheboro has a new theme song – Petula Clark’s old standard, “Downtown.”
Well, actually it’s not official yet.
OK, it’s not even tentative. In fact, this column marks the first time the proposal has seen the light of day.
The idea came to me one night when I was listening to a streaming Internet oldies station and the pert Australian’s voice came on.
For some reason – perhaps the fact that I’d missed most of the Summer Concert Series at Bicentennial Park due to circumstances beyond my control, I longed to hear ‘60s music downtown.
And what better than, well, “Downtown”?
Just think about the words to the song and I’m sure you’ll agree that they kind of fit into the Asheboro “feel.”
Or, maybe not.
“When you’re alone and life is making you lonely, you can always go downtown.”
See? You’re alone – life’s making you lonely – so you head for downtown.
Just get in the car, avoid the Dixie Drive/Zoo Parkway traffic snarls and ease onto Sunset Avenue.
“When you’ve got worries, all the noise and the hurry seems to help, I know, downtown.”
There are those who would tell you all the noise and hurry are on Dixie Drive. And they would be accurate.
But don’t berate Sunset for being too quiet and unhurried.
Sometimes when I’m downtown I see people on the sidewalks, depending on whether or not The Flying Pig is open.
“Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city, linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty. How can you lose?”
Huh? Huh? The music of the traffic in the city? Pretty neon signs?
“The lights are much brighter there. You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares and go downtown.”
Bright lights, big city – right? Am I getting through?
“There are movie shows downtown.”
True, at the new Sunset Theatre. You get admission, popcorn and a drink for like five bucks. What’s not to like?
“You may find somebody kind to help and understand you, someone who is just like you and needs a gentle hand to guide them along.”
Hey, I’m not just talking about some panhandler looking for a couple of bucks.
We need each other, people.
“We can forget all our troubles, forget all our cares and go downtown, things’ll be great when you’re downtown, don’t wait a minute more, downtown, everything’s waiting for you.”
Are you with me? Are you ready to go?
Hey, there may be a train coming through this evening, who knows?
“So, maybe I’ll see you there.”
Think of all you can do downtown – eat, shop, look at art, check out antiques, watch a movie, listen to bands.
“Don’t hang around and let your problems surround you.”
Just go downtown.
Petula’s waiting for you.
Larry Penkava, who has written Now and Then since 1994, would offer “Down in the Boondocks” as a second choice.
